Islington council has announced that two of its low-traffic zone trial schemes will be made permanent.
The people-friendly streets neighbourhoods in St Peter’s and Canonbury East, were initially introduced for 18 months in the summer of 2020.
Both schemes used traffic filters to restrict access to vehicles on some side streets within the zones.
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The council said monitoring data from locations across the zones showed that traffic fell during the first 12 months of the schemes. By 2021, air pollution levels both within the neighbourhoods, and on surrounding boundary roads, had also been reduced.
Councillor Rowena Champion, executive member for environment, air quality and transport, said: “COP27 has led to renewed focus on tackling the climate emergency, and making the St Peter’s and Canonbury East people-friendly streets neighbourhoods permanent is a crucial step in our efforts to create a cleaner, greener, healthier Islington for all.
“Since their introduction two years ago, both schemes have achieved their objectives by making it easier for local people, where possible, to walk, cycle, scoot, and use buggies and wheelchairs as environmentally-friendly alternatives to driving. The feedback we’ve received from local people reflects the positive impact the neighbourhoods have made, with our Blue Badge exemptions making it easier for disabled people to travel.
“With 24 per cent of Islington’s streets covered by people-friendly streets neighbourhoods, we’re committed to continuing to deliver more pleasant, greener streets for all.”
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